Side Dish · Appetizer · Asian ·

Tangy Korean Cucumber Kimchi Salad with Chili Flakes

Name: Tangy Korean Cucumber Kimchi Salad with Chili Flakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Side Dish
Ingredients: 3 English cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp salt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru); 1 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 tbsp sesame seeds

This easy-to-make cucumber kimchi combines the crispness of cucumbers with the spiciness of Korean chili flakes for a tantalizing side dish.

4.9(544 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 7, 2025

Tangy Korean Cucumber Kimchi Salad with Chili Flakes — Side Dish served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Cucumber Preparation

Kimchi Sauce

Marinade

Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 92 kcal
Protein: 2.8 g
Carbs: 10 g
Fat: 5.1 g
Fiber: 1.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 367 kcal
Protein: 11.1 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat: 20.3 g
Fiber: 6.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
3 English cucumbers thinly sliced	48	3	11.6	0.6	2.8
1 tbsp salt	0	0	0	0	0
3 cloves garlic minced	13	0.6	3	0	0.2
1-inch piece ginger grated	6	0.2	1.3	0.1	0.2
2 tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)	32	1.5	5	1	1.5
1 tbsp fish sauce	13	2	0.5	0	0
2 tbsp rice vinegar	6	0	0.3	0	0
1 tbsp sugar	49	0	12.6	0	0
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil	120	0	0	14	0
2 tbsp soy sauce	18	1.8	1.3	0.1	0.1
2 green onions finely chopped	10	0.4	2.3	0	0.8
1 tbsp sesame seeds	52	1.6	2.1	4.5	1.1

These nutritional values are estimates and not intended for dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Cucumbers

1
Salt Cucumbers
Place sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
2
Rest
Mix well and let sit for 20 minutes.
3
Rinse & Drain
Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly on a clean kitchen towel.
Tip: Ensure the cucumbers are fully drained to keep the salad crisp and not watery.

Preparing the Kimchi Sauce

1
Combine Aromatics
In a separate bowl, combine garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
2
Add Sauces
Add fish sauce and rice vinegar, mixing until well blended.
3
Rest Sauce
Set aside to let flavors meld.
Tip: Chill the sauce for a more refreshing experience.